Nutrition expert Yuri Barbechan points out that completely excluding fats from the diet can lead to serious health problems, and advises consuming them in moderation.
"Fat is an essential part of the membrane of every cell in the body. When there is a chronic deficiency of fat, the skin becomes dry and thin, cracks may appear, and the wound healing process slows down significantly."
Sex hormones and some stress hormones are also made with the help of fats and cholesterol, so a deficiency of them in women may lead to menstrual cycle disorders, decreased libido, chronic fatigue, and mood swings.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Without them, vitamin D absorption is impaired, affecting bone health, immunity, and mood. Vitamin A plays a role in the health of the skin, vision, and mucous membranes, while vitamin E contributes to cell protection and reproductive health, and vitamin K is involved in blood clotting.
Therefore, the complete absence of fats makes even taking vitamins insufficient to achieve the desired benefit.
A moderate amount of fat is also necessary for bile production, promoting digestive motility, and protecting mucous membranes. Paradoxically, in some cases of gastritis and other digestive problems, completely eliminating fat can worsen the condition, as it weakens the skin, immune system, and mucous membranes.
Fats are also among the most energy-dense nutrients, and when they are significantly low, a person may suffer from persistent fatigue, a strong craving for sugars and fast-absorbing carbohydrates, and difficulty controlling appetite.
The expert emphasizes that the amount of fat should be determined individually, noting that it is present in foods such as fish, nuts, and others.
"When the diet is almost fat-free, the skin's lipid barrier is damaged, losing its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, cracking of the hands, heels, and lips, and delayed wound healing. This can happen even with normal blood tests and the absence of diseases such as diabetes, meaning the body may be suffering from a chronic deficiency of essential elements."
In cases of gastritis, it is generally advised to reduce fat intake and avoid fried foods, fast food, and fatty foods during flare-ups, but this does not mean complete abstinence from fats. In most cases, especially during periods of remission, moderate amounts of high-quality vegetable oils can be added, and fatty fish can be consumed twice a week, along with nuts, seeds, eggs, and full-fat dairy products in moderation, unless there is an allergy.
The appropriate amount varies from person to person, but following a completely fat-free diet for extended periods can lead to multiple health problems.
